Welsh Bars Prepare For Festive Crowds

16 December 2016, 11:45 | Updated: 16 December 2016, 13:44

Emergency services are gearing themselves up for one of the biggest party nights of the year as thousands of workers break up for the Christmas period

Police are urging party goers who’re planning on hitting the town to enjoy themselves responsibly with several campaigns in plans urging revellers to drink responsibly.

Across south Wales, officers are asking people to #DrinkLessEnjoyMore saying they’re taking a “zero tolerance approach” to alcohol related violence.

South Wales Police and Crime Commissioner, Alun Michael said:

"The Drink Less Enjoy More campaign forms a major part of the joint Police and Crime Reduction Plan. Nearly two years established, the campaign has proved a great way of educating the public and night time economy staff whilst ensuring the safety of the community of South Wales.

The campaign has lead the way to many exciting developments to protect the vulnerable and prevent crime. The Help Point, located in Swansea, has assisted over 2,500 people since its creation in September 2014. This equates to 1,850 saved ambulance journeys and 1,625 Accident and Emergency admissions.

"The recently revised 'Framework for Managing the Night Time Economy in Wales' published by Welsh Government, celebrates the journey all partners play in ensuring a healthy, diverse and safe night time economy through prevention, education and enforcement. South Wales Police is a champion of devising new innovative ways of keeping patrons of our pubs and clubs safe, and in an environment which celebrates the diverse and dynamic community we serve."

Assistant Chief Constable, South Wales Police, Richard Lewis, said:

 "The festive period is a time to celebrate with friends, reminisce with family and meet new people. The #DrinkLessEnjoyMore campaign has been a great resource for officers and our colleagues within licensing, by illustrating to the public the consequences of drinking too much and the negative impact it can have on a person's behaviour, the campaign has challenged a stereotype and successfully changed to thoughts of the communities of South Wales.

"South Wales is a fantastic place to live, work and celebrate. South Wales Police will continue to work with its partners to promote the message #DrinkLessEnjoy More over the festive period and throughout the year."

Elsewhere, Dyfed Powys Police said:

“Officers are preparing for what is potentially one of the busiest nights of the year. Officers will be out on patrol, making sure people are safe and enjoying themselves as they move from pub to pub and getting home safely. We would urge anyone going out to celebrate this night, or any other in the lead up to Christmas, to please don’t drink too much, look after one another and make it a night to remember for all the right reasons..”

Superintendent Jane Banham, Head of Community Safety at North Wales Police said:

"We want people to enjoy themselves during the Christmas period, but an enjoyable night means a safe night - not one that ends up in hospital or in one of our cells.

"We make a significant contribution to keeping our town centres safe so people can enjoy a good night out, but we must get the message across that people need to take greater responsibility for themselves

and their friends to reduce the likelihood of them being injured, becoming a victim of crime, or being involved in violence through excessive drinking.

"North Wales Police, working with our partners, will ensure that pubs, clubs, shops and drinkers are complying with the law. Those who don't will be dealt with robustly.

"The message is simple - think safe, drink safe."